Calhoun clears the air, but questions remain

Jonathan Linder

05/16/2004

Colorado tailback publicly declares intent to transfer, but leaves open his intended destination

Brian Calhoun is transferring from Colorado. That much is
clear. The remaining key details—where he is transferring, why he is
transferring and whether or not Colorado has put road blocks in his path to
transferring—remain in question.

"Although I have had two great years at CU with my
teammates, I have decided to transfer from the University of Colorado,"
Calhoun told the Denver Post in a written statement.

Calhoun, though, also told the paper that he had contacted
schools in the Big Ten, Big East and the SEC and that his destination upon
transferring has not been decided.

Since March, when the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel originally
broke the story that Calhoun was considering a transfer, a number of news
reports have stated that a primary reason for the pending departure is the
scandal at Colorado. Calhoun's statement, though, refuted that notion and also
said that a possible position switch and a reduction in playing time had no
bearing on the decision.

"My reason for leaving is far different than everybody
expects and thinks," Calhoun told the Post. "I have discussed my situation with
my parents, and come up with a decision to transfer. We feel it is the right
decision and we plan on moving on."

Calhoun's statement did not, however, state the reason(s)
for the transfer decision.

Nor did it give any particulars on a possible destination.
Wisconsin has been widely considered the most likely destination for Calhoun, a
native of Oak Creek, Wis.

The
Journal Sentinel and the
Rocky Mountain News reported Saturday that Calhoun was expected to
become a Badger following his transfer release. Calhoun, meanwhile, told the
Post that he has contacted Wisconsin, but that he never sent his transcripts to
the school.

Much of the new information released in the Denver Post
article contradicts earlier statements from Calhoun and various news
reports.

In early April, Calhoun
told the Boulder Daily Camera that he sent transcripts to Wisconsin
in January and that his initial interest in transferring stemmed from concern
over the investigations at Colorado.

Another point of contention is whether Calhoun has formally
requested a transfer. The Journal Sentinel cited Oak Creek High School football
coach Joe Koch in reporting that, "on several occasions," Calhoun had asked for
his release and has not yet received it.

The Rocky Mountain News and BuffaloSportsNews.net, however,
reported Saturday that interim Colorado coach Brian Cabral felt that Calhoun had
never delivered a formal transfer request.

As a sophomore last season, Calhoun was the Buffaloes' starting tailback and leading
rusher. He had 810 yards and five touchdowns in 195 attempts.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Calhoun would have to sit out
the 2004-05 academic year, but would retain two years of eligibility.